Ulcerative Colitis & HIV and use of immunosuppresants

Aug 20, 2012

Unfortunately I suffer from both ulcerative colitis and HIV. The UC is my main issue. Without it, my life would be great and I would be feeling healthy. I am washed out and exhausted from having constant D for 5 yrs (not 1 day off!). Lost a lot of weight too. How ironic hey that it's the UC causing me issues?

As if one disease wasn't enough to contend with! Anyway, i'm not one to sulk, but i need help. My doc want's to put me Imuran (azathioprine) which is an immunosuppresant. However, both my ID dr and gastroenterologist both say it is safe to take and won't effect my cd4% or cd4. It effects another part of your immune system (lymphocytes).

However, i'm sceptical and want advice. Please please help!

Delby

Response from Dr. Henry

I have had several patients with ulcerative colitis who have done OK with such immune suppressive drugs. The literature generally also suggests that drugs like azathioprine can be judiciously (careful monitoring) used in HIV + patients (often easier now when drugs with negative bone marrow effects such as zidovudine are not used much). KH

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